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I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
  My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
  O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.
  I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.
This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

Pastor Lester A. Bush Jr. is the son of Mary and Lester Bush. He was born in South Bend, IN, and is the fourth oldest of 10 children. Pastor Bush has three brothers (Robert, Terry and Gary), and six sisters (Mildred-deceased, Mary-deceased, Marie, Denise, Diane and Darlene). In 1965, his family relocated to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where his father worked for American Hoist for several years. Initially, his family joined Oakridge Temple C.O.G.I.C. in the Westfield area of town, but later moved their membership to Grace Temple C.O.G.I.C. on Smith St. After three years, the family again moved their membership to Hayden Street C.O.G.I.C. to be under Supt. John T. Dupree.

Pastor Lester Bush graduated from Wayne H.S. in 1972. After graduation, he enrolled at ITT Technical Institute to pursue a degree in electrical engineering. As a young man, Pastor Lester Bush had many interests in life. He enjoyed most sports, but basketball became his favorite. Pastor Lester Bush first received the Lord into his life at the age of nineteen during a revival conducted by Bishop Stokes in Fort Wayne. He became a member of the church choir and traveled with his parents to District Meetings and other church events. In 1977, Supt. Dupree appointed Pastor Bush to serve as a Deacon in the church. His time as a Deacon in the church was short because six months after his appointment he was called by God into the ministry.

Pastor Bush began his training as a minister under Supt. Dupree. He taught the youth class during the Sunday School sessions, and was later appointed president and teacher of the youth department. He enjoyed working with the young people in the church because it gave him a chance to share some of his experiences as a young person. .

Also, in 1977, Pastor Bush became acquainted with Sis. Connie McClendon. Sis McClendon had been a member of the church practically all her life. She was the daughter of William and Katherine McClendon. Pastor Bush and Sis. McClendon fell in love and were married on February 18, 1978. To their marriage were born three children; Tranell (23), Jason (21), and Leslie (19). After the births of their three children, Pastor Bush decided to go back to college and pursue a degree in Business. During this time he worked a full-time job, attended church faithfully, and supported his family. In 1994, Pastor Bush received his Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University. He went on to graduate school and received his Master of Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University in 1999. While God was blessing Pastor Bush to receive his education, He was also elevating him within the church. During Bishop Dupree’s sickness, Pastor Bush was appointed Associate Pastor of the church. He continued working under Bishop Dupree conducting the affairs of the church and keeping the Bishop informed on the churches’ progress. After the passing of Bishop Dupree in 1998, Pastor Bush was appointed by Bishop H. Jenkins Bell to become the third pastor of the 75-year-old mother Church of God in Christ in the city of Fort Wayne.

Pastor and Mother Bush continue to serve the church (Dupree Memorial) in their respective roles as pastor and first lady. They are happy with the progress the church had made, and look forward to being a part of the church rising to the next level. Their goal is to establish a greater identity for church in the city of Fort Wayne, and the state of Indiana. The end result being more souls added to the kingdom of God through an expanded church ministry. Pray for us at Dupree Memorial as we endeavor to do the work of the Lord.